IMPERIAL PRESS CONFERENCE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12256, 2 July 1909, Page 5

IMPERIAL PRESS CONFERENCE.

CHEAP CABLE COMMUNICATION

AN IMPORTANT DISCUSSION

{United Press Association.—Copyright)

Received July 1, 11.15 p.m

LONDON, July 1

Mr Asquith, with Mr Buxton (Post-master-General) and Major Seely, received a deputation of Press delegates, headed by Sir W. Lawson, who ascribed the Pacific Board concession as largely due to Mr Moberley Bell's influence.

Sir Ross (Canada) urged that there ought to be State intervention owing to the combination made by cable companies, which believed in unjustly maintaining the rates. The delegates did not think the Government should run any State- lines at a loss, but on a commercial basis; then the companies Avould b>i compelled to meet the competition.

Mr Fairfax suggested preferential and cheaper rates for British Parliamentary news, and Ministerial, statements.

Mr Fen wick (Dunediu) emphasised New Zealand's desire to assist Canada in obtaining an Imperial all-round the world cable.

Mr Asquith said that cheaper electric communication-was important in the interests of the mercantile marine, perhaps even more in the diffusion of accurate intelligence. The Imperial Government was entirely sympathetic to the general objects of the deputation, especially the reduction of rates for press messages. He added: " With regard to cable companies the Government's means of action is very limited, but its influence will be used as far as possible in the matter of reduction of rates." With reference to the alleged combination, they must recognise that the companies had provided a worldwide system of enormous value to the Empire, and had reduced the rates in recent years. The most powerful argument the representatives of the Press could use for the purpose of influencing the companies was the assurance of largely increased traffic. He hoped the Government and the Standing Committee o^ the Conference would le enabled to accelerate the development of one of the lirst requisites of such an Empire, as ours—a cheap* certain, constant, convenient, and universally accessible system of electric communication. (Cheers.)

-Mr Kyffin-Thomas, en behalf of the deputation, thr.r.ked the Premier tor receiving them in such a kindly and courteous way, and for his sympathetic

speech